Africa

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued by violence since it gained independence from France in 1960. Between 1996 and 2003 there were, at least, five major battles to seize the capital Bangui. It is an ongoing civil war between the Seleka, representing the rebel coalition, and the government forces that appeared in 2012,...

Since May 2015, the Burundian Republic has been facing a violent conflict between the pro-Government forces, led by President Nkurunziza, and the opposite forces represented by the ‘rebels’. Among the several factors leading to the development of this conflict, we  may take into account political corruption  and the president’s interest of ruling the state by...

Although al-Shaabab began as the militant wing of the Islamic Courts Union in Somalia, the Ethiopian invasion of late 2006 and subsequent events would transform this group from an insurgent movement to a regional al-Qaeda-affiliated organization capable of carrying out global jihad. Al-Shabaab, meaning “The Youth,” is an Islamic terrorist organization fighting for the establishment...

If it is to take a glimpse back into history it is quite easy, and reckless, mistake which I am also guilty off, to affirm that the present situation in the country is due to the cultural and religious division, North standing for Islamism and poorer conditions while the Christian South is striking and blooming...

1.12.2014 State capital of Yobe, Damaturu, got hit at dawn as insurgents set fire to a mobile police station. Moreover, Boko Haram members opened fire towards an air force jet which was circling the area and was dropping bombs against them. The terrorist group was scattered from the ground by late afternoon thanks to military...

In the “broken heart of Africa” diamonds do not associate with luxury and sumptuousness but with crime, fights and coup d’états. Reuters reported the findings of the United Nations panel of experts on gold and diamond being used to finance the conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR). This torn and conflict ridden country, besides...

It is said a group of people, united by common interests or beliefs has the likes of its leader. A somewhat simple search and focus on Boko Haram’s actions show that under the command of Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram’s attacks became more sophisticated, violent and grew in range. Asserting leadership over Nigeria’s radical Islamic sect,...

Frequently characterized as being the epicenter of extreme poverty, starvation, and other cruel day by day realities, Somalia has been a source for conflict since the fall of President Siad Barre’s military regime in 1991. There has been a major shift in the nature of modern conflict, from traditional symmetrical conflicts – e.g. between armies,...

Extensive media attention was gained by Boko Haram through violent attacks (that left scores of people dead, over half of million displaced) and the kidnapping of over 270 young girls, threatened to be sold in slavery. The later prompted a worldwide campaign known as “Bring Back Our Girls” that First Lady Michelle Obama and UK...

Since gaining its independence from France, in 1960, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been the scene of constant coup d’etats and power struggles leading to wars ......